Traveling to Cusco is every adventurer’s dream, but when it comes to organizing the itinerary, the big question arises: What are the best tours to visit Machu Picchu? Being one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, there are multiple ways to get there, from quick day trips to deep cultural immersions in the Andes.
In this guide, we will compare the most popular options so you can choose the experience that best suits your time, budget, and travel style. Additionally, we will tell you exactly what to do once you are standing in front of the majestic Inca citadel.
The 3 Best Tours to visit Machu Picchu
To make the best decision, it is vital to understand what each type of tour offers. Here we present the most requested options by our travelers.
1. Machu Picchu Full Day Tour: Fast and complete
Ideal for travelers with tight itineraries. This full-day tour starts very early from Cusco, taking you by transport to the train station (Ollantaytambo or Poroy) for a direct trip to Aguas Calientes.
Main advantage: Time optimization. You get to know the wonder of the world in a single day without worrying about logistics.
Who is it for? People with a few days in Cusco or business travelers on a free weekend.
2. Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (2 Days / 1 Night): The perfect connection
If you have more time, this is the number one recommendation from local experts. On the first day, you explore the impressive archaeological centers and markets of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, you take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night.
Main advantage: Better altitude acclimatization and the possibility of going up to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning, before the crowds arrive from Cusco.
Who is it for? Families, couples, and travelers who want a deeper cultural immersion in the Andean world.
3. Panoramic Train Tour: Premium Experience
The route to the high jungle is a spectacle in itself. The Machu Picchu tours from Cusco that include panoramic trains (such as the Vistadome or the 360°) offer extra-large windows and glass roofs.
Main advantage: Enjoying the geographical transition between the Andes and the cloud forest with first-class onboard service, typical dances, and gourmet snacks.
What to do in the wonder of the world? Unmissable activities
Once you cross the entrance checkpoint, the magic begins. No matter which of the best tours to visit Machu Picchu you have chosen, make sure to:
Take the classic photo at the Guardhouse: It is the main viewpoint and the place where the iconic photographs of the citadel are taken.
Explore the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana: The Inca sundial is an unmissable architectural and astronomical feat.
Add an extra hike (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain): If you are a trekking lover, book the additional ticket months in advance to climb one of these mountains and get an unparalleled aerial view.
Your safe trip with a local operator
Planning this adventure requires precision: purchasing tickets, train schedules, and shuttle buses. By booking with a direct local operator, you ensure having certified guides, 24/7 assistance, and secure international payment gateways (like PayPal or WeTravel). We take care of the logistics; you just dedicate yourself to enjoying.
🚀 Ready to experience the magic of the Incas?
Don’t leave your adventure to chance. Compare our itineraries and find the perfect tour for you.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Machu Picchu tours
What is the best tour to go to Machu Picchu? The best tour depends on your time. If you have little time, the “Machu Picchu Full Day” is ideal. If you have more days, the “Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu 2 days” tour is the most recommended because it allows for better acclimatization and enjoying the citadel early on.
What does a one-day tour to Machu Picchu include? A formal one-day tour (Full Day) should include: transfers from your hotel in Cusco to the station, round-trip train tickets, shuttle bus tickets up and down (Aguas Calientes – Citadel), the official entrance ticket, and a certified professional guide.
Can the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu be visited in a single day? It is not recommended due to the vast distance and amount of attractions. The ideal is to divide it into a 2-day and 1-night tour, visiting the Sacred Valley on the first day and dedicating the second day exclusively to exploring the wonder of the world.
